CN110073066B

CN110073066B - Decorative panel assembly

Info

Publication number: CN110073066B
Application number: CN201780076264.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·博格林; N-E·英格斯特罗姆
Original assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
Current assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2017-04-18
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-18
Also published as: WO2018111168A1; US20210381258A1; CN110073066A; EA201991344A1; EP3555387A1; US11149444B2; SE541420C2; SE1651663A1; EP3555387A4; EP3555387B1; US20190309527A1

Abstract

A deck board block assembly is disclosed, comprising a first deck board block (100a) and a second deck board block (100b), and provided with a connection system comprising a connection device (200). The first panel (100a) is configured to be connected to the support element (300) and the second panel is configured to assume a vertically locked condition with respect to the first panel, in which condition the connecting means cooperate with the first and second panels, there being a vertical gap (G) between a portion of the second lip (120) of the first deck panel and a portion of the second lip (150) of the second deck panel, and there being a horizontal space (S) between the first lip (110) of the first panel and the second lip (150) of the second panel. Other aspects of the deck panel assembly and connection arrangement are also disclosed, as well as methods for disassembling a deck panel and replacing it with a new deck panel.

Description

Decorative panel assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to flooring and decking. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a deck plate/trim panel assembly provided with a connection system comprising connection means such as clips. The present disclosure also relates to a connection device and a method of disassembling interlocked deck plate/trim plate assemblies.

Background

Decks/decking are commonly used as outdoor floor structures near or in connection with buildings. The deck panels are typically arranged at elevated positions above the ground. The deck panels may be made of treated or composite wood, aluminum, or other materials. The deck panels may be mounted by means of separate clamps attached to the joist structure. The clamps hold the deck panels in place and may define uniform gaps between the deck panels. Adjacent deck panels may include overlapping lips to hide the joist structure disposed below the panels.

However, the deck panels of the prior art suffer from a number of drawbacks, particularly if they are made of relatively soft, low quality, inexpensive or low density materials. Known panels using separate clips and overlapping lips are difficult or even impossible to remove without damaging one or more of the panels. In fact, in order to remove a panel, it is often necessary to cut a portion of the panel in order to gain access to the jig. One reason for this is that the panels are arranged to be mounted sequentially one row after the other. According to the methods in the prior art, it is not possible for a panel in the middle of a series of panels to be removed without removing all the panels that have been subsequently installed in the series.

As a result, a new panel that will replace the removed panel cannot be installed in the same manner as the previous panel because the previous panels need to be arranged in sequence. The new panel must therefore be installed by different methods, for example by cutting the new panel appropriately and fixing it by means of a screw connection, or by gluing the new panel to the joist structure in a specific manner. The first example may result in a reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the panel, as the screws may become visible, while the second example may result in the panel not being properly attached to the joist structure, as the adhesive may provide less fixation than the screws.

In addition, known panels using separate clips and overlapping lips are often at risk of damage when installed, as they are provided with rather weak groove and lip structures arranged to accommodate the clips. During installation, the screw is disposed through portions of the weakened structure and through the clamp. As a result, the weak structure may be deformed or even damaged.

Finally, panels mounted according to known principles may be deformed due to environmental conditions (e.g. temperature and humidity changes), whereby the panel is displaced from its initial position, and thus damage may also occur.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present inventive concept to provide a trim panel assembly provided with a connection system including a connection arrangement that allows for an improved process of replacing individual trim panels in the trim panel assembly.

Another object is to provide a trim panel assembly that is more resistant to damage during removal and installation of the trim panel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a corresponding method of disassembling an interlocked trim panel assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a coupling device for coupling decorative panels.

According to a first aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a trim panel assembly provided with a connection system comprising a connection device. This decorative panel piece subassembly includes first decorative panel piece and second decorative panel piece, and first decorative panel piece includes first lateral part, and the second decorative panel piece includes the second lateral part, and every lateral part all extends along the longitudinal direction of decorative panel piece. Each of the first and second side portions comprises a first lip and a second lip, wherein the second lip has a greater extension in the transverse direction of the decorative tile than the extension of the first lip in the transverse direction of the decorative tile. The first trim panel is configured to be coupled to the support element. The second trim panel is configured to assume a vertically locked condition relative to the first trim panel, wherein in the vertically locked condition: the connecting device is matched with the first decorative plate and the second decorative plate; preferably, the first lip of the first trim panel and the second lip of the second trim panel are disposed in a first horizontal plane and the second lip of the first trim panel and the first lip of the second trim panel are disposed in a second horizontal plane, the first and second horizontal planes each being parallel to the surface member of the first and/or second trim panel; a vertical gap exists between a portion of the second lip of the first trim panel and a portion of the second lip of the second trim panel; a horizontal space exists between the first lip portion of the first trim panel and the second lip portion of the second trim panel.

Thus, at least a portion of the first lip of the first panel and at least a portion of the second lip of the second panel may be provided at the same distance from the surface member of the first and/or second panel. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second lip of the first panel and at least a portion of the first lip of the second panel may be disposed at the same distance from the surface member of the first and/or second panel.

The transverse direction of the panel is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the panel. The transverse direction is also perpendicular to the surface normal of the surface members of the slabs.

The connection of the panels to the support elements may be horizontal and/or vertical, preferably fixed.

The "installed condition" of a panel is a condition in which the panel is connected to the support element and/or locked vertically relative to an adjacent panel. By a first panel being "adjacent" to a second panel is meant that the first panel is arranged beside the second panel and that the first side of the first panel preferably faces the second side of the second panel.

In the present disclosure, the "vertical locking state" of a plate with respect to an adjacent plate, for example, the vertical locking state of a second plate with respect to a first plate, may refer to: the panel, preferably the sides of the panel, is locked relative to the adjacent panel at least in a direction perpendicular to the front and/or back side of the panel and/or in a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane provided in the top part of the support element. Optionally, the panel (preferably the sides of the panel) may also be partially or even completely locked in a horizontal direction, e.g. in a lateral and/or longitudinal direction of the panel, with respect to an adjacent panel (preferably the adjacent sides). The vertical locking state may be a vertical locking position.

The surface members of each panel have an extension in the longitudinal direction of the panel and in the transverse direction. The extension in the longitudinal direction is preferably larger than the extension in the transverse direction. The surface member of each panel may be one of the first and second surface members of that panel. Preferably, the first and second surface members are parallel to each other. Further, the first and second surface members are preferably planar or substantially planar. However, the first and second surface members may include non-planar portions and/or portions having a structure, such as a decorative design, a wooden surface, a simulated wooden structure, embossing, dimpling, bevels, ridges, channels, cavities, and the like.

In the installed state of the panel, the first surface member may correspond to a front or visible side of the panel, and the second surface member may correspond to a rear side of the panel, or vice versa.

In the installed state of the first and second panels, the front faces of the first and second panels are preferably arranged in the same or substantially the same horizontal plane.

Each panel preferably further comprises opposite side portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the panel. The opposite side portions are disposed opposite to the side portions in the lateral direction. The opposing sides of the first and second panels may be second and first sides, respectively. The second side of the third panel may be mounted adjacent the first side of the second panel. The second side of the first panel may be mounted adjacent to the first side of a previously mounted panel. Each installation may be identical for the first and second panels according to the above.

Preferably, the first and/or second side of the panel extends along the entire longitudinal direction of the panel.

The first and second sides of the panel may comprise or may be the first and second longitudinal side edges of the panel, respectively.

Each opposing side may comprise a first lip and a second lip, wherein the extension of the second lip in the transverse direction of the panel is larger than the extension of the first lip in the transverse direction of the panel. The lateral extension of the first and/or second lip may be the same or substantially the same on the side and the opposite side. Thereby, at least a portion of each panel may have substantial symmetry of 180 degrees of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the panel. In particular, the entire first and second side portions may be substantially symmetrical according to the above. Thanks to the substantial symmetry, the panel can assume the same vertical locking condition before and after its rotation. Another advantage of having symmetrical panels is that the orientation of the panels in the installed state can be selected according to the curvature of the panels, in particular in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction. The panels also become easier to manufacture for the reasons mentioned above.

According to the inventive concept, the first and/or second panels can be disassembled after installation with little to no damage to any panel, especially when installed together with a plurality of other panels arranged beside the first and second panels and installed in the same way as the first and second panels. The panels may be removed by disconnecting the connection means and by tilting and/or displacing one or both panels away from the support element. Furthermore, a new panel for replacing any removed panel can be installed in a simple manner by a reverse tilting and/or shifting action. Thus, individual panels can be replaced in an improved manner.

The panels may be installed sequentially, for example one row at a time, while allowing individual panels to be removed without having to remove the entire row of installed panels between the individual panel and the panel installed in the end or initial row.

Another advantage compared to the teachings of the prior art is that the first and second lips can be made thicker, which makes the panel stronger. The plate is not easy to damage, so the plate can be repeatedly used.

"Deck plank" or "decor plank" refers to a plank, panel, tile, or plank, etc., configured to be disposed on a support member. Throughout this disclosure, the shorthand notation "plate" will often be used. The panels may be installed indoors and/or outdoors. The plate may comprise at least one of: softwood, hardwood, wood, plastic materials (e.g. PVC, PP, PE), wood fibers or metals (e.g. aluminum). The plate may comprise one or a mixture of several of these materials. In a first example, the panels are made of cork, such as cedar, larch, fir, redwood or pine. In a second example, the panel is a composite wood or wood-plastic composite (WPC) decorative panel comprising wood fibres or flour and a plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, and optionally a filler and/or a binder. In a third example, the board is made of hardwood, such as lapacho (Ipe), lapacho, or teak. In a fourth example, the board comprises bamboo or eucalyptus. The panel may include a protective layer for protecting the panel from one or more of abrasion, moisture, heat, sunlight, and the like. Any of the above plates may be subjected to a pressing treatment.

The panel assembly may comprise further panels, such as a third decorative panel, a fourth decorative panel, etc. In particular, there may be a plurality of decorative panels. Throughout this disclosure, when referring to a panel alone, it is understood that it may refer to any panel in a panel assembly.

The panels in the panel assembly preferably have one or more substantially identical features, such as shape, material, weight, size, color, design, protective layer, etc. The panels may be substantially identical. However, it is envisaged that some of the panels of the panel assembly have different characteristics, such as different designs.

Preferably, the connection means are separate connection means and are preferably mounted on the panel during installation of the panel.

The attachment means may be a clip, clamp, clasp, catch, hook, spring clip, or the like. The connecting means may comprise a metal such as stainless steel or aluminium, an alloy such as an aluminium alloy (e.g. 6060 aluminium alloy, such as 6060-T6) or a plastic (e.g. a thermoplastic such as polypropylene, nylon, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)), or a combination of any of these materials. For example, a connecting means comprising a thermoplastic may comprise a fiberglass material for reinforcement. The connecting means may comprise plastic or metal (e.g. aluminium) which may be injection moulded or extruded.

The connecting device can be arranged on the support element or connected to the support element by means of an attachment element. The attachment elements may be screws, nails, bolts, rivets, staples, flange pieces, adhesive tape, adhesives (e.g., glue), or other fasteners known to those skilled in the art.

Furthermore, the connecting device can be arranged on or connected to the supporting element by means of a flange arranged on the connecting device. For example, the flanges may snap or bend onto the support elements (e.g., joists).

The connecting means may be horizontally connected in the mounted state transversely and/or longitudinally with respect to the first panel.

The coupling means may comprise first and second engagement portions configured to engage with the first and second panels, respectively, in the installed condition. There may be a middle portion connecting the first and second engagement portions. The second engagement portion may comprise a bevel or a radius for simplifying insertion of the connection means into the groove of the second panel. The first and second engaging portions may be configured to be arranged at different positions, preferably vertical positions, from the support member in the mounted state.

The shape of the connecting means may be such that it has a balanced torque when it is placed on the inner wall of the second lip. In particular, this means that it does not fall off the second lip when placed there, simplifying the mounting of the connecting device.

The coupling means may comprise a locating portion configured to locate the coupling means relative to the first panel in a transverse direction. Thereby, a uniform distance between adjacent panels may be provided and the connecting means may be more easily positioned relative to guiding means in the panels for the attachment elements, such as recesses or holes (e.g. blind or through holes), at or through which the attachment elements are configured to be arranged.

The connecting means may be a first connecting means. The panel assembly may comprise second coupling means configured to cooperate with the second panel and the third panel. In particular, the panel assembly may preferably comprise a plurality of coupling means along the longitudinal direction of the panels, each coupling means cooperating with a pair of adjacent panels.

Preferably, the connecting means extend along a portion of the panel in the mounted state only in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, a secure connection system may be provided while keeping the material consumption low. In a non-limiting embodiment, the connection means may have a horizontal extension of 20-60 mm, a vertical extension of 20-40 mm and an extension of 10-60 mm in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical directions.

According to one embodiment, the connection device may be operated and/or accessed through a horizontal space, which is optionally visible. Thus, any panel in the panel assembly can be removed without causing any substantial damage to any panel. In another embodiment the connecting means are partly or completely hidden.

Optionally, the connection means may comprise a coating, such as paint, preferably for improving its corrosion resistance. The connection means may comprise an anode layer, such as alumina, to improve its corrosion resistance. In a non-limiting example, the thickness of the anode layer is 5-25 μm, preferably 10-20 μm.

Next, the features of the lips, including the first and second lips, will be described. It is emphasized that the following embodiments may be applied to any or all of the first and second lips in the first and second sides of any panel. By "lip" is meant a portion of the panel projecting in a transverse direction and having a longitudinal extension. The transverse direction is preferably directed outwardly away from the panel. Preferably, the lip has a constant transverse cross-section along the longitudinal direction of the side portion.

The first and second lips of each of the first and second panels may extend at least along a portion of the longitudinal side edges of each panel, preferably side-by-side and preferably along the entire longitudinal side edges of each panel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second lip protrudes beyond the first lip along the entire longitudinal extension of the panel. The maximum extension of the second lip in the transverse direction of the panel may be greater than the maximum extension of the first lip in the transverse direction.

The lip may include an inner wall, an outer wall, and a side wall. According to one embodiment, at least one of the inner wall, the outer wall and the side wall is flat. According to one embodiment, at least one of the inner wall, the outer wall and the side wall is curved.

The first lip of the second panel may comprise a chamfer or radius for simplifying insertion of the connecting means.

The thickness (preferably the maximum thickness) of the second lip may be greater than the thickness (preferably the maximum thickness) of the first lip.

The thickness (preferably the maximum thickness) of the second lip may be at least 45%, preferably at least 60%, of the thickness (preferably the maximum thickness) of the panel. The first lip of the second panel preferably engages the support element in the installed condition, possibly via a raised element provided therebetween.

The first lip of the first panel and the second lip of the second panel may be disposed at a first vertical height and the second lip of the first panel and the first lip of the second panel may be disposed at a second vertical height, wherein the first and second vertical heights are perpendicular distances from the support element. For example, a laterally outer portion or a vertically central portion of each of the first and second lips described above may be disposed at the first or second vertical height.

According to the first aspect of the inventive concept, there is a vertical clearance in the vertical locked state. The portions of the second lips of the first and second panels may be an upper laterally outer portion of the second lip and a lower laterally outer portion of the second lip, respectively.

In the installed state, there may be a horizontal space between the second lip of the first panel and the first lip of the second panel. The horizontal space may be the same as the horizontal space between the first lip of the first panel and the second lip of the second panel, especially when the panels have 180 degree rotational symmetry as described above and below. By having horizontal spaces and vertical gaps, there may be a continuous path between the panels from the top to the bottom of the panels, which is advantageous for ventilation purposes.

The vertical gap may be provided at least in a region between the first and second vertical faces. In a first example, the first vertical face is provided in a side wall of the second lip of the first panel and the second vertical face is provided in a side wall of the second lip of the second panel. In a second example, the first vertical face is provided in a side wall of the first lip of the first panel and the second vertical face is provided in a side wall of the first lip of the second panel. The vertical gap may be provided at least in a vertical plane located between (e.g. in the middle of) the first vertical plane and the second vertical plane. The vertical gap preferably also extends in the horizontal direction.

The laterally outer portions of the first and second lips of the first and second panels, respectively, may be horizontally separated by a space. The horizontal space may be disposed in a first horizontal plane.

Optionally, in the installed condition, a raising element may be provided beneath at least a portion of the second panel for raising the second panel vertically to the vertical level of the first panel. Thereby, the front faces of the first and second panels may be arranged at the same vertical height. This may also be achieved by providing recesses in the first panel at the location of the connecting means.

According to one embodiment, at least a portion of each of the first and second trim panels has symmetry rotated 180 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the trim panel. The portion may be a portion of the panel configured to engage with the connection means, for example provided in the first and/or second lip. One advantage of this embodiment is that either of the first and second surface members can be used as a visible surface member. In particular, during installation or after a period of time, the surface member having the most attractive properties (e.g., aesthetic or physical properties) may be selected.

In addition, individual panels can be handled more easily during installation. In fact, only a single rotation about the longitudinal axis is required to change the visible surface members of the panel without any further rotation. This is particularly advantageous when the panels have a large longitudinal extension, since it may be cumbersome to rotate the panels around a transverse axis, for example, in a small space.

The entire first and second panels may be 180 degrees rotationally symmetric, or substantially rotationally symmetric, about the longitudinal axis.

According to one embodiment, the inner wall of the second lip of the first trim panel is inclined or curved with respect to the surface member of the first trim panel. An advantage of this embodiment is that fluid, such as water, as well as moisture, can be effectively drained from the panel. The second lip may taper outwardly in the transverse direction. The inclined inner wall may be planar. The curvature of the curved inner wall may be convex or concave.

The inner wall of the second lip of each of the first and second panels may be inclined relative to the respective surface member.

The inner wall of the second lip in the second side of the first panel may be inclined relative to the face member of the first panel. The inclination may be the same as the inclination of the inner wall of the second lip in the first side portion. Thus, the first panel is allowed to have 180 degrees rotational symmetry about its longitudinal axis, while maintaining the drainage advantages described above.

According to one embodiment, the connecting means are provided in a first groove of the first decorative panel block in the vertically locked condition and/or the connecting means are provided in a second groove of the second decorative panel block in the vertically locked condition. By this embodiment the coupling means can be more securely coupled to the first and/or second panel. The first groove may be disposed between the first and second lips of the first panel. The first groove may be disposed substantially midway between the first and second surface members. The second groove may be disposed between the first lip and the second lip of the second panel. The second groove may be disposed substantially midway between the first and second surface members.

The connecting means may engage with the lower groove wall of the first groove. The lower groove wall may be the same wall as the inner wall of the second lip. The connection means may engage with the lower groove wall of the first groove. The lower groove wall may be the same wall as the inner wall of the first lip of the second panel.

The first and second grooves, in particular the portions of the grooves configured to engage with the connecting means, may be provided at different vertical heights.

According to one embodiment, the connecting means engages with the second lip of the first trim panel and with the first lip of the second trim panel in a vertically locked condition. By engaging with the second lip (e.g. the inclined second lip) tilting or twisting of the connecting device can be resisted. The coupling means may engage with at least one of an inner wall, a side wall and an outer wall of the second lip of the first panel. Further, the coupling means may engage with at least one of an inner wall, a side wall and an outer wall of the first lip of the second panel.

According to one embodiment, the connecting device is further configured to engage with the support element in a vertically locked state. A portion of the connecting means may be provided between the first panel and the support element. Thereby, tilting or displacement of the connecting device can be counteracted.

The connecting means may be configured to be connected (preferably releasably connected) to the support element, preferably to the joist. Thereby, the first panel may be connected to the support element by engagement with the connecting means. For example, the first panel may be engaged with the connecting means by means of a press fit, snap fit or attachment element.

The connecting means may at least partially surround the second lip of the first panel, preferably the outer wall and the side wall, and optionally also the inner wall, while being connected to the support element.

The connecting means may be connected to the first and/or second panel in a vertically locked condition. The first panel may be horizontally locked relative to the connecting means at least in a first transverse direction (optionally also in an opposite second transverse direction).

In one example, the connection device is fixed to the support element. In another example, the connecting device is displaceable relative to the support element, preferably in a longitudinal horizontal direction of the support element, such as a joist.

The attachment means may comprise at least one tooth configured to engage with the second lip of the first trim panel. By means of the at least one tooth, an improved connection of the connecting means with the first panel and thus the first panel with the support element may be provided. The at least one tooth may be configured to engage with the second lip by means of a snap-fit engagement. The second lip of the first panel may comprise a notch configured to engage with one of the teeth in the vertically locked condition. The at least one tooth may be configured to be pressed into the material of the second lip. The teeth may be barbs.

According to one embodiment, the connecting device is configured to cooperate with the support element via the attachment element. Thereby, the attachment element may connect the first side to the support element vertically and/or horizontally. The connecting device may comprise an opening through which the attachment element may be arranged in the mounted state.

The connection means can be accessed and/or operated through the horizontal space so that it is disconnected from the support element, disengaged from the panels, etc. Preferably, the horizontal space between the first lip of the first panel and the second lip of the second panel is at least 1mm, more preferably at least 5mm, most preferably at least 10 mm. The space may enable access to the attachment element by means of a tool from the visible side of the first and second panels in the vertically locked state, in particular by means of a linear displacement of the tool. Thereby, the first and/or second panel may be removed or replaced from above. For example, the tool may be a screwdriver, a magnet, or the like.

According to one embodiment, the attachment element is provided through the second lip of the first decorative panel and through the connecting means. Thereby, displacement of the first plate due to temperature and/or humidity changes may be resisted. For example, displacement of the plate in its horizontal transverse direction may be resisted. Generally, wood substrate blocks expand or contract in a horizontal transverse direction under the influence of humidity changes. Also, longitudinal displacement of the panel may be resisted. Generally, WPC panels expand or contract in the horizontal transverse direction as well as in the longitudinal direction under the influence of temperature changes.

In the mounted state, the connecting means may engage with the second lip of the first panel and/or the first lip of the second panel in a pre-tensioned manner.

In the mounted state, there may be an internal horizontal spacing between the connecting means and the third wall of the groove connecting the lower groove wall and the upper groove wall. Thereby, the connecting means can be displaced in the groove in case of a change in temperature and/or humidity. In a non-limiting example, the internal spacing may be 0.1-2mm for WPC boards, and 2-8mm, preferably more than 6mm, for boards made of cork.

In the vertically locked state, the second side portion is displaceable in the horizontal longitudinal and/or transverse direction. As a result, stresses on the connection system caused by various displacements of the plates can be reduced. The displacement may be caused by local or global strain of the plate, temperature fluctuations, moisture or humidity changes, etc.

In one embodiment, the connecting means and the panels are arranged such that: the first panel is connected transversely relative to the connecting means by a first retaining force and the second panel is connected transversely relative to the connecting means by a second retaining force. The first retention force may be greater than the second retention force. Thereby, the second side portion may be more easily displaced horizontally than the first side portion, and the stress during temperature and/or humidity changes may be reduced. Alternatively, the second retention force may be greater than the first retention force. In a non-limiting example, the greater holding force may be between 0.5 and 2.0kN/m, while the lesser holding force may be between 0.25 and 1.0 kN/m.

In one embodiment, the attachment element is arranged through the second lip of the first panel in a vertically locked condition, and a portion of the connecting means is arranged between the second lip of the first panel and the support element. Here, a precise alignment of the connecting means between the panel and the support element may not be required, as the attachment element may be arranged outside or beside the connecting means. Furthermore, in the vertically locked condition, the connection means may be connected horizontally relative to the panels by means of pressure from the above panels and/or pressure from the underlying support elements. Optionally, the connecting device may comprise a fixing portion for further fixing the connecting device.

According to one embodiment the connecting means are arranged to lock the first side or the second side vertically and at least in a first transverse direction (optionally also in an opposite second transverse direction), preferably allowing displacement of the first and/or second panel with respect to the support element along the longitudinal direction of each panel. The connecting means may comprise at least one flange or similar serving as an attachment element. The coupling means may be arranged to cooperate with, preferably engage, the second lip of the first panel and the first lip of the second panel. The engagement may be pre-tensioned. The at least one tooth may be provided on a flange as an attachment element.

According to one embodiment, the trim panel assembly further comprises an attachment element, wherein the maximum lateral extension of the attachment element is substantially equal to or less than the horizontal space. The longitudinal extension of the attachment element is preferably greater than the transverse extension. By means of this embodiment, the attachment element can be removed even in the mounted state of the assembly, whereby the panel can be removed and replaced. The maximum lateral extension may be the width of the attachment element, for example the width of the screw head. By "substantially equal", the attachment element can be removed even when the maximum lateral extension is larger than said horizontal space, for example by tilting the attachment element relative to the side wall of the lip or by compressing the material of the lip and pressing out the attachment element.

In one embodiment, the coupling means is configured to be rotated to vertically lock the second panel with respect to the first panel. An advantage of this embodiment is that the connecting means can be removed in a simpler manner. The connecting means (preferably the first engagement portion) may comprise a retaining element. The holding element may be configured to resist twisting of the connecting device during installation, in particular when the attachment element is pressed or turned into the support element via the second lip. The retaining element may also improve the connection of the connecting device to the second lip. The retaining element may be arranged inside or outside said opening or hole in the longitudinal direction of the first engagement portion. In one non-limiting example, the retaining element is a sharp retaining element, such as a serration or a spike. The pointed retaining element may be configured to be inserted or pressed into a portion (e.g., an inner wall) of the second lip.

The underside of the second engagement portion may be rounded. Thereby, the mounting of the connecting means can be simplified and the second panel can be moved more easily, in particular in the longitudinal direction.

According to one embodiment, the second panel further comprises a first side opposite to the second side of the second panel and extending in the longitudinal direction of the second panel, wherein the first side comprises: a first lip and a second lip, wherein the extension of the second lip in the transverse direction of the second panel is larger than the extension of the first lip in the transverse direction of the second panel, the second panel being configured to be connected to a support element, and the third panel being configured to assume a vertically locked state with respect to the second panel, in which state the second connecting means cooperate with the second and third panels. By means of this embodiment, the second connecting means can vertically lock the third panel to the second panel entirely similar to what has been described above.

The shape of the side wall of the first lip of the first panel may be the same as or complementary to the shape of the side wall of the second lip of the second panel. Here, the complementary shape of the first wall and the second wall means that the protrusion or bulge of the first wall has a corresponding indentation or recess of the second wall, or vice versa. Furthermore, the shape of the side wall of the second lip of the first panel may be the same as or complementary to the shape of the side wall of the first lip of the second panel. In a first example, the side walls are vertical. In a second example, the side walls are inclined with respect to the vertical direction of the surface member. Hereby, the coupling means can be accessed and handled more easily when the inner wall of the second lip of the first panel is inclined. In a third example, the sidewalls are curved.

The side walls of the second lip of the first panel and the side walls of the first lip of the second panel may be provided with respective identical or complementary shapes to those described above. It is also clear that these shapes can be provided on a single panel, i.e. the side walls of the first and second lips of the opposite sides can be identical or complementary to the side walls of the second and first lips of the sides, respectively.

In a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the side wall of the first lip of the first panel is perpendicular to at least a portion of the preferably inclined inner wall of the second lip of the first panel.

According to one embodiment, said portion of the second lip of the second decorative panel is arranged above said portion of the second lip of the first decorative panel in the vertically locked condition, so that they form a horizontal overlap. By means of the horizontal overlap, at least a part of the second lip can be concealed in the mounted state. The connecting means and/or the attachment element may also be partly or even completely concealed.

The horizontal overlap may be an overlap between a projection of the portion of the second lip of the second panel onto a horizontal plane (e.g. the first or second horizontal plane) and a projection of the portion of the second lip of the first panel onto the horizontal plane.

The coupling device may include a projection configured to be pressed into the second lip of the first trim panel or disposed in a recess of the second lip of the first trim panel in the installed condition.

A part of the connecting means may be configured to be arranged in a recess of the second lip of the first decorative panel in the mounted state, said recess preferably being located in the inner wall and/or the side wall.

Preferably, the panels are mounted in such a way that the extent of deformation of the panels remains low or minimal over time. Preferably, the panels are sufficiently dried and/or adapted to the installation environment, e.g. temperature, prior to installation. However, according to one embodiment, the panels are configured to be mounted such that the first lip of a first panel and the second lip of a second panel abut each other, whereby the horizontal space between them is formed over time, as the material of the panels changes (in particular reduces) volume, e.g. due to shrinkage. The material may be a hygroscopic material and/or a material that readily expands/contracts thermally. Furthermore, the material may be impregnated and/or pressure treated. For example, the board may comprise cork or may be a WPC board.

According to a second aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a coupling device for coupling decorative panels, comprising: a first engagement portion configured to engage with the second lip of the first trim panel and optionally comprising an aperture to connect the connecting device to the support element with an attachment element passing through the aperture and the second lip; a second engagement portion configured to engage with the first lip of the second trim panel, and optionally including an end section that is curved or angled relative to the entire lengthwise extension of the second engagement portion.

The connection means may further comprise a third section configured to engage with the side wall of the second lip and preferably arranged at an angle, such as 45 ° -135 °, preferably 90 °, with respect to the second engagement portion.

A portion (preferably the inner section) of the first joint may be inclined relative to a portion (preferably the inner section) of the second joint.

The end section of the first joint may be parallel to the portion of the second joint.

The hole may be provided in the portion of the first engagement formation.

The first and second joints may be asymmetrically disposed with respect to the third section.

The bearing surface of the first joint may be vertically displaced relative to the bearing surface of the second joint. The bearing surface of the first engagement portion may be vertically displaced further from an endpoint of a third section configured to engage with a sidewall of the second lip than the bearing surface of the second engagement portion.

The coupling arrangement may further comprise a projection configured to be disposed in a recess of the second lip of the first trim panel in the installed condition.

The connecting means may further comprise a projection configured to be pressed into the second lip of the first trim panel in the installed state.

The aperture may be circular.

One or more of the bearing surface of the first joint, the inner section of the first joint and the third section of the connection device may be configured to guide the connection device into position and/or resist twisting or tilting of the connection device during installation.

The trim panel assembly according to the first aspect may comprise the connecting device according to any embodiment of the second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a method of disassembling a trim panel assembly including first coupling means for mating with first and second trim panels and second coupling means for mating with second and third trim panels. The method comprises the following steps: vertically unlocking the second decorative panel with respect to the first decorative panel; disconnecting the second trim panel from the support element, preferably by releasing the horizontally opposing connection between the second connecting means and the second trim panel; and removing the second trim panel.

The action of releasing the horizontally opposed connection between the first connecting means and the first trim panel may comprise removing a first attachment element disposed through the second lip of the first trim panel, the first attachment element being disposed through or external to the first connecting means.

The action of releasing the horizontal relative connection between the second connecting means and the second trim panel may comprise removing a second attachment element provided through the second lip of the second trim panel, the second attachment element being provided through the second connecting means or externally thereof.

The act of vertically unlocking the second trim panel relative to the first trim panel may comprise: releasing the horizontal relative coupling between the first coupling means and the first decorative panel, horizontally displacing the second decorative panel toward the third decorative panel, or tilting the first and second decorative panels away from the support element, preferably while simultaneously releasing the horizontal relative coupling between the first coupling means and the first decorative panel.

The horizontally opposite connection between the first coupling means and the first decorative panel block may comprise a coupling between the fixing portion of the first coupling means and the first decorative panel block, and the horizontally opposite connection between the second coupling means and the second decorative panel block may comprise a coupling between the fixing portion of the second coupling means and the second decorative panel block.

The horizontally opposite connection between the second connecting means and the second panel may be released by operating and/or accessing the second connecting means through a horizontal space provided between the first lip of the second panel and the second lip of the third panel.

The horizontally opposing connection between the first connecting means and the first decor panel can be released by operating and/or accessing the first connecting means via a horizontal space provided between the first lip portion of the first decor panel and the second lip portion of the second decor panel.

It is clear that the order of the method steps given in any of the above embodiments is non-limiting and that the steps may be performed in any order, or even simultaneously.

Embodiments of the first, second and third plate blocks and the connecting means are largely similar to the embodiments with reference to the first and second aspects above.

Further aspects of the inventive concept and examples of the first, second and third aspects are provided in the detailed description below.

Drawings

The disclosure will be described in more detail below in connection with exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a trim panel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a trim panel according to one embodiment.

Figures 3a-h show an embodiment of the side of the panel of figures 1 or 2 seen in a side or cross-sectional view.

Fig. 4a-d show an embodiment of the connecting device in perspective view.

Fig. 5a-d show side views of an embodiment of an installed decorative panel block using a connecting device of the type of fig. 4 a-b.

Fig. 6a-e show side views of an embodiment of an installed decorative panel block using connecting means of the type of fig. 4c-d and an embodiment of connecting means using an adhesive.

Fig. 7a-f show side views of an embodiment of an installed decor tile and an embodiment of a rotatable connection means.

Fig. 8a-h show embodiments of coupling means configured to be coupled to joists, as well as embodiments of their mounting and their coupling to the decor panel.

Fig. 9a-d illustrate one embodiment of an installed trim panel block assembly in a top view, and one embodiment of an attachment apparatus in a perspective view and a side view.

Fig. 10a-e show an embodiment of a method for disassembling a decor tile and replacing it with a new decor tile using a coupling device of the type of fig. 4 a-b.

Fig. 11a-d show an embodiment of a method for disassembling a decor tile and replacing it with a new decor tile using a coupling device of the type of fig. 4c-d and 9 b-d.

Fig. 12a-e show an embodiment of a method for removing and replacing a decor tile using a coupling device of the type of fig. 4 a-b.

Fig. 13a-d illustrate an embodiment of a method of removing and replacing a trim panel using an attachment device of the type of fig. 4a-b and 7 c-e.

Fig. 14a-e show a method of disassembling a trim panel using a coupling arrangement according to any of the embodiments of fig. 8 a-h.

Fig. 15a-f show an embodiment of a method for installing a decorative panel using a connecting device according to any of the embodiments of fig. 8a-h, and an embodiment of an installed decorative panel and connecting device.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the decorative tile will next be described with reference to fig. 1, 2 and 3 a-h.

For purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a single trim panel 100 according to one embodiment. Obviously, the longitudinal extension of the panel may be much greater than the horizontal transverse extension of the panel. The plaque has a maximum horizontal dimension of 145mm x 4000mm and a maximum thickness of 34mm, but obviously other dimensions are equally conceivable, for example 50-500mm x 500 and 6000mm x 10-50 mm. The panels are made of cork, preferably having a thickness of at least about 30mm, but other materials are also possible. For example, it may be a WPC board. Preferably, the cork panels are impregnated and pressure treated. Where applicable, the panels are preferably mounted so that the annual rings curve upwardly, but a downward curve is also envisaged.

For orientation, three vertical axes (A) are shown in FIG. 1 _X ，A _Y ，A _Z ) Right hand coordinate system of the scale. The plate comprises a first surface member 101 and a second surface member 102 which are substantially parallel to each other. First and second surface membersIs planar. The central portion of the panel 100 is along the axis a in fig. 1 _X The longitudinal direction of the represented panel has a substantially constant thickness. Furthermore, the panel comprises a first pair of longitudinal side edges 103, 104 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the panel, and a second pair of longitudinal side edges arranged along the short sides and along the pass-through axis a _Y Horizontal transverse direction and along the pass-through axis A of the represented panel _Z A second pair of side edges 105, 106, shown preferably flat, extending perpendicular to the direction of the first surface member 101.

The first longitudinal side edge 103 includes a first lip 110 and a second lip 120. The second lip protrudes with respect to the first lip so as to be along a transverse axis A _Y The maximum extension of the second lip is greater than the maximum extension of the first lip. A first groove 130 is provided between the first and second lips.

The first lip 110 includes an inner wall 112, a side wall 114, and an outer wall 116. The outer wall 116 is provided as part of the first surface member 101. The inner wall 112 is provided as a channel upper wall of the first channel 130. A sidewall 114 connects the inner wall 112 and the outer wall 116. The inner wall 112 and the outer wall 116 are parallel to each other.

The second lip 120 includes an inner wall 122, a side wall 124, and an outer wall 126. The outer wall 126 is provided as part of the second surface member 102. The inner wall 122 is provided as a channel lower wall of the first channel 130. A sidewall 124 connects the inner wall 122 and the outer wall 126. The inner wall 122 is inclined relative to the outer wall 126. Second lip 120 is shown along axis A in FIG. 1 _Z Is along a _Y Decreasing towards one end of the first longitudinal side edge 103.

The first channel 130 includes a third wall 132 connecting the

inner walls

112 and 122. The third wall 132 is disposed perpendicular to the first surface member 101 and the second surface member 102.

The second longitudinal side edge 104 includes a first lip 140 and a second lip 150. The second lip 150 protrudes relative to the first lip 140 such that it lies along the transverse axis a _Y The maximum extension of the second lip 150 is greater than the maximum extension of the first lip 140. A second groove 160 is provided between the first lip 140 and the second lip 150.

The first and

second lips

110, 150 are disposed in a first horizontal plane H1. Further, the second lip 120 and the first lip 140 are disposed in a second horizontal plane H2. First horizontal plane H1 and second horizontal plane H2 are parallel to first surface member 101 and second surface member 102.

The first lip 140 includes an inner wall 142, a side wall 144, and an outer wall 146. The outer wall 146 is provided as part of the second surface member 102. The inner wall 142 is provided as a channel lower wall of the second channel 160. The side wall 144 connects the inner wall 142 and the outer wall 146. The inner wall 142 and the outer wall 146 are parallel to each other.

The second lip 150 includes an inner wall 152, a side wall 154, and an outer wall 156. The outer wall 156 is provided as a part of the first surface member 101. The inner wall 152 is provided as a groove upper wall of the second groove 160. A sidewall 154 connects the inner wall 152 and the outer wall 156. The inner wall 152 is inclined relative to the outer wall 156. Second lip 150 is shown along axis A in FIG. 1 _Z Is along a _Y Decreasing toward one end of the second side edge 104.

The second channel 160 includes a third wall 162 connecting the

inner walls

142 and 152. The third wall 162 is disposed perpendicular to the first surface member 101 and the second surface member 102.

The

walls

112, 114, 116 and 142, 144, 146 of the first lip and the

walls

122, 124, 126 and 152, 154, 156 of the second lip are flat. Preferably, there is a chamfer or smooth transition between

walls

114 and 116, between

walls

124 and 126, between

walls

144 and 146, and between

walls

154 and 156. Further, the

side walls

114, 124, 144, and 154 are arranged perpendicular to the first surface member 101.

In the

second lips

120 and 150,

respective notches

125 and 155 are provided, which preferably extend along the entire side edges 103, 104.

Notches

125, 155 are provided in the

inner walls

122, 152.

According to the embodiment of fig. 1, the plate has an axis a _X Symmetry rotated by 180 degrees. For example, the positions of the

side walls

114 and 144 are interchanged after rotation. Thus, the

first lips

110 and 140 and the

second lips

120 and 150 are along the axis A _Y Is substantially the same.

Due to the second order discrete rotational symmetry as described above, the panel 100 may be mounted with either of the first surface member 101 and the second surface member 102 facing upwards, making it visible. For the sake of clarity it is assumed that the first surface member 101 is visible after installation of the panel 100, i.e. facing upwards, but it is clear that this option is non-limiting.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of an individual trim panel 100 according to another embodiment. The embodiment in fig. 2 is largely similar to the embodiment in fig. 1 and reference is therefore made thereto. However, in fig. 2, the

side walls

114 and 124 are inclined at an angle α with respect to the first surface member 101 and the second surface member 102, respectively ₁ And beta ₁ . In a non-limiting example, the angle α ₁ And beta ₁ It may be an obtuse angle, for example between 90 ° and 140 °, more preferably between 100 ° and 120 °. Angle alpha ₁ And beta ₁ It may also be an acute angle, for example between 40 ° and 90 °, more preferably between 60 ° and 80 °.

Sidewalls

144 and 154 are also inclined at an angle α relative to second surface member 102 and first surface member 101, respectively ₂ And beta ₂ . Above with respect to alpha ₁ And beta ₁ The non-limiting examples of (a) apply equally to a ₂ And beta ₂ 。

In one example, β ₂ Different from beta ₁ And/or alpha ₂ Is different from alpha ₁ . In another example, β ₂ And beta ₁ Are the same, and a ₂ And alpha ₁ The same is true. In the latter case, the plate has an axis A _X (not shown) symmetry rotated 180 degrees. For example, the positions of the

sidewalls

114 and 144 are interchanged.

Next, various installation states of two or more panels of the type of fig. 1 or 2 will be described. In particular, the panel 100 may be a first panel 100a or a second panel 100 b. In the installed state, the first panel is connected to the support element 300 and the second panel is locked vertically to the first panel. The second panel is also connected to the support element. The other panels may be connected to the first and second panels in a similar manner.

Figures 3a-f show different embodiments of the sides in the joining area of the first panel 100a and the second panel 100b seen in side or cross-sectional view. It will be appreciated that the first and second panels preferably include opposed sides which are of the same shape as the sides of the second and first panels respectively, as shown in figures 1 and 2.

For the sake of clarity, the embodiment of the connection of the panels to the supporting elements and the vertical locking of the second panel 100b on the first panel 100a is omitted in figures 3 a-h. These will be described further below, and any of these embodiments may be used in combination with any of the shapes in fig. 3 a-h.

Fig. 3a-c show such different embodiments: wherein the

side walls

114, 154 and 124, 144 of the first and

second panels

100a, 100b are planar and inclined with respect to the first and

second surface members

101, 102 respectively. The angle γ between the first surface member 101 and the side wall 114 can be obtuse as shown in FIG. 3a, such as 90 ≦ γ ≦ 135, or acute as shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c, such as 45 ≦ γ ≦ 90, and the angle δ between the second surface member 102 and the side wall 124 can be acute as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3c, such as 45 ≦ δ ≦ 90, or obtuse as shown in FIG. 3b, such as 90 ≦ δ ≦ 135. In the embodiment of fig. 3a-c, the inclination of the

side walls

144 and 154 with respect to the second surface member 102 and the first surface member 101, respectively, of the second panel 100b is the same as the inclination of the

side walls

114 and 124, respectively.

Fig. 3d-e show such an embodiment: wherein the

sidewalls

114, 124, 144, and 154 are curved. The curvature of the

sidewalls

114 and 144 may be concave as shown in fig. 3d or convex as shown in fig. 3 e. The curvature of

sidewalls

124 and 154 may be convex as shown in fig. 3d or concave as shown in fig. 3 e. Any other combination of these embodiments is possible.

Fig. 3f shows such an embodiment: wherein

walls

112, 132, and 122 are each curved and smoothly connect to one another. Also, the

walls

142, 162, and 152 are all curved and smoothly connect to each other.

In fig. 3g, such an embodiment is shown: wherein the

side walls

114 and 124 are smoothly connected to the first surface member 101 and the second surface member 102, respectively, and the

side walls

144 and 154 of the second longitudinal side edge 104 are smoothly connected to the first surface member 101 and the second surface member 102, respectively. By "smooth" is meant that the transition is rounded or curved.

Fig. 3h shows curved

inner walls

122 and 152. By virtue of the curved

inner walls

122, 152, fluids such as water (e.g., rain) may be more effectively drained from the panels. Here, the outer portion of each inner wall is curved in a concave form. It will be appreciated that the inner portions of these inner walls, or even the entire inner wall, may be curved: concave or convex.

In fig. 3a-g, the groove 130 of the first plate 100a is arranged in an intermediate position between the first surface member 101 and the second surface member 102. In fig. 3h, the groove 130 is closer to the first surface member than to the second surface member, and thus the groove 160 is closer to the second surface member than to the first surface member of the plate. This may be the case in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

In any of the embodiments of fig. 2 and 3a-h, there may be a chamfer or smooth transition between the

walls

114 and 116, 124 and 126, 144 and 146, and 154 and 156, as described above.

The panels 100 are configured to be connected to each other by means of a connecting device 200. Fig. 4a-d show an embodiment of the attachment devices 200 in perspective view, wherein each attachment device 200 comprises a first engagement portion 210, an intermediate portion 220 and a second engagement portion 230. In the installed state of the panels, the first coupling parts and/or the intermediate part are configured to couple with the first panel 100a, and the second coupling parts and/or the intermediate part are configured to couple with the second panel 100 b.

According to the embodiment of fig. 4a, in the mounted state, the planar first engagement portion 210 is configured to engage with a portion of the second surface member 102 of the first panel 100a, and the second engagement portion 230 is configured to engage with a portion of the inner wall 142 of the second panel 100 b. The middle portion 220 connects the first and second engagement portions. A hole 202 is provided in the first engaging portion. The middle portion 220 is disposed perpendicular to the first engaging portion 210.

The second joint includes a first section 232 and a second section 234. The first section 232 is disposed at an angle, such as 45-135, preferably 70-85, relative to the intermediate portion 220. The second section 234 is an upwardly curved end section of the second joint. The underside of the second section includes a chamfer or radius.

The coupling device 200 in fig. 4b is similar to the coupling device in fig. 4a, but the intermediate portion 220 is arranged at an angle with respect to the first engagement portion 210. For example, the angle may be 45 ° to 135 °, preferably 95 ° to 110 °. Further, the second engagement portion 230 is planar. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 210 comprises a fixing portion 212 configured to improve the fixation of the connecting device on the second surface member. The fixing portion is disposed at an end section of the first engaging portion. The fixation portion 212 is acute and/or sharp. The fixing portion may also have other shapes, for example it may be a curved end section.

The shape of at least a portion of the middle portion 220 in any embodiment of the present disclosure may correspond to the shape of the side wall 124. Thereby, a tight abutment between the middle portion and the side wall 124 may be obtained. The middle portion may be a flat or curved surface, for example corresponding to the shape of the side wall 124 in any of the embodiments of fig. 1, 2, 3 a-h.

In any embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection device 200 may include a positioning portion or spacer 203. Thereby, a uniform gap between the panels can be provided. In fig. 4a, the intermediate portion 220 may serve as a positioning portion if the intermediate portion 220 abuts the second lip in the mounted state, in particular if the second engaging portion 230 is fully inserted into a groove of an adjacent panel (see below). In fig. 4b, the positioning part 203 extends vertically upward from the first engaging part 210. The shape of at least a portion (e.g., a wall) of the positioning portion 203 may correspond to the shape of a portion of the side wall 124.

The connection device 200 in fig. 4c comprises a first joint 210, the first joint 210 comprising a first section 214 and a second section 216 arranged at an angle with respect to the first section. The second section is arranged perpendicular to the first section, but other angles are also possible, for example 45-135 °. The first and second sections are flat. The first and second sections may have other shapes, such as curved concave, curved convex. The second section 216 is configured to engage with the side wall 114 of the first panel 100a in the installed state and preferably has a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the side wall 114. The second section 216 may serve as a positioning portion 203 for providing a uniform gap between the panels, in particular if the second joint 230 is fully inserted into the groove of an adjacent panel.

Optionally, the connection means may comprise a third section 222 for further connecting and/or positioning the connection means to the first panel. For example, the third section 222 may oppose twisting of the connection means during installation of the panels. The third section 222, which is indicated by dashed lines in fig. 4c, may be configured to engage with the second lip 120 in the mounted state, e.g. with the

wall

122 or 124. Optionally, an opening, such as a blind hole or recess, may be provided in the second lip 120, and the third section may be provided in the opening, such as by press-fitting. The third section may replace or supplement the second section 216 as the positioning element 203.

The coupling arrangement 200 in fig. 4d is identical to the coupling arrangement in fig. 4c, but comprises a third section 222 extending downwardly and configured to engage with the side wall 124 of the first panel 100a in the installed condition. The third section 222 may serve as a positioning part 203 for providing a uniform gap between the panels. Furthermore, the second joint 230 comprises a curved end section 234, which curved end section 234 is preferably flexible and preferably achieves a pre-tensioned vertical locking of the second panel on the first panel. The curved end section 234 includes a downwardly curved portion and a portion extending toward the third section 222. The third section 222 is optional and may be omitted.

Fig. 5a-d and 6a-e show various embodiments of the coupling device 200 in a side view in an installed state of a first panel 100a and a second panel 100b arranged on a support element 300. It will be understood that the panels and the connecting means are along the longitudinal axis a _X Extend, i.e. extend perpendicularly into the plane of the drawing. A first panel 100a is connected to the support element and a second panel 100b is locked vertically to the first panel. The coupling means 200 engages the first and second panels. The first joint 210 is shown in fig. 5a-d and 6dEngages the second surface member 102 and the support element and, in fig. 6a-c and 6e, engages the inner wall 122. In fig. 6a-c and 6e, there is no direct engagement between the connection means and the support member. Further, in fig. 5a-d and 6a-e, the second coupling portion 230 is coupled with the second groove 160 of the second plate block 100 b.

In the installed condition, the first lip 110 of the first panel and the second lip 150 of the second panel are disposed in a first horizontal plane H1, and the second lip 120 of the first panel and the first lip 140 of the second panel are disposed in a second horizontal plane H2. The first level H1 and the second level H2 are parallel to the

surface members

101, 102 of the first and second panels. Further, a lateral horizontal space S exists between the first lip 110 and the second lip 150. The space S may be measured as the distance between the laterally outer portions of the lips.

In the installed state, a portion of the second lip 120 is vertically separated from a portion of the second lip 150 by a vertical gap G. According to the embodiment of fig. 5a-d and 6a-e, a vertical gap G is present at least in the region between the first vertical plane V1 and the second vertical plane V2. In the non-limiting embodiment of fig. 5a, a first vertical plane V1 is located in side wall 124 of the first panel and a second vertical plane V2 is located in side wall 154 of the second panel. In the non-limiting embodiment of fig. 5b, a first vertical plane V1 is located in side wall 114 of the first panel and a second vertical plane V2 is located in side wall 144 of the second panel. In a non-limiting example, the space S may be between 5 and 25mm and the gap G may be between 5 and 15 mm.

In FIGS. 5a-d and 6a-e, the

second lips

120 and 150 are along the axis A _X And A _Y Partially overlapping. Thereby, at least a part of the inner wall 122 of the first panel is hidden from above.

The support element 300 may be any support structure known to those skilled in the art. It may comprise one or more support members. In particular, the support element may be a joist grid system comprising at least one joist, preferably a plurality of joists, such as wood joists or metal joists (e.g. aluminium joists). The support element may also be a subfloor, which is optionally also supported by joists.

Fig. 5a shows an embodiment in which the connecting means 200 is engaged with the first lip 140. The securing portion 212 of the first engaging portion 210 (as in the embodiment of fig. 4 b) engages with the second surface member 102, and the intermediate portion 220 engages with and is shaped to correspond to the side wall 124. The retainer 212 may be grabbed into the material of the second surface member. Furthermore, the second engagement portion 230 is shaped as described above for the embodiment of fig. 4a and engages with the inner wall 142. The engagement may be pre-tensioned. Pretensioning may be obtained by having a vertical extension (thickness) between the support element and a lower portion (e.g. the lowermost portion) of the second engagement portion 230 that is smaller than the vertical extension (thickness) of the first lip 140, optionally including the vertical extension of the elevation element 201 (see below). The difference between the vertical extension may be less than 5mm, preferably less than 1mm, for example 0.1-0.5 mm.

The first panel is connected to the support element 300 by means of an attachment element 400 in the form of a screw provided through the second lip 120 and through the hole 202. Thereby, the coupling means 200 becomes horizontally coupled with respect to the first panel. Obviously, other attachment elements, such as nails, bolts, rivets, staples, flanges, adhesive tape or adhesives are also conceivable.

The first panel is vertically elevated due to the arrangement of the connecting means thereunder. Below the first lip 140 there is provided a raising element 201 for raising the second panel to the same vertical level as the first panel. It will be appreciated that in one embodiment a recess may be provided in the first panel at the location of the connecting means 200, such that the first panel is not vertically elevated or only partially elevated relative to the support elements.

In one embodiment, there are no elevated elements 201 and the slabs 100a-b are slightly inclined, preferably less noticeable to an observer at a distance therefrom (e.g. 0.5m or 1 m). Thereby, the board may have better drainage properties and may dry faster after exposure to liquids etc.

The embodiment of fig. 5b is the same as the embodiment of fig. 5a, except that the shapes of the fixing portion 212 and the second engaging portion 230 are different. The fixing portion includes an acute angle portion. The second joint is planar and arranged substantially parallel to the first joint 210. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 5a, the middle portion 220 is shaped as (corresponds to) the side wall 124, but here is inclined.

The embodiment of fig. 5c is the same as the embodiment of fig. 5b, except that the attachment element 400 is detached from the connection device 200. In this case, when the attachment element is connected to the supporting element, the connection means are connected horizontally with respect to the first panel 100a by means of the fixing portion 212 and/or by means of the pressure exerted by the supporting element 300 and the second lip 120, respectively, from below and above. In one embodiment (not shown), the fixation portion 212 is not present.

The embodiment of fig. 5d is identical to the embodiment of fig. 5a, except that the connection device 200 comprises a positioning portion 203 as described in relation to fig. 4b and the second engagement portion 230 comprises an end section 234 having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions being along a longitudinal axis A _X Extend and are configured to engage

inner walls

152 and 142, respectively. The engagement may be abutment or may be pre-tensioned. Thus, the second panel may be locked to the first panel in an improved manner. In one embodiment (not shown), there is only an upper portion.

In fig. 6a-e, the attachment means 200 engages the second lip 120 from above. Fig. 6a shows such an embodiment: wherein the first and second panels are joined according to the joining means of figure 4c described above. The second section 216 engages the sidewall 114. The third section 222 engages the inner wall 122. The third section is disposed in an opening (such as a notch or blind hole) in the inner wall 122. Thus, the coupling means 200 may be coupled in a transverse direction with respect to the first panel. The second engaging portion 230 engages with the inner wall 142. The engagement may be pre-tensioned, e.g. completely similar to the discussion above with respect to fig. 5 a-d.

The first panel is connected to the support element 300 by means of an attachment element 400, currently in the form of a screw, which is provided through the second lip 120 and through the hole 202 in the first joint 210. Thereby, the coupling means 200 is horizontally coupled with respect to the first panel.

The second section 216 and/or the third section 222 are optional and may be omitted in other embodiments, one of which is shown in fig. 6b, which uses the connecting device 200 according to fig. 4 d. The downwardly extending third section 222 engages the side wall 124 and has a shape corresponding to the side wall 124. The downwardly curved end section 234 engages the inner wall 142. The engagement may be pre-tensioned, e.g. completely similar to the discussion above with respect to fig. 5 a-d.

Fig. 6c shows the same embodiment as fig. 6a, except that the third section 222 is pressed into the inner wall 122. The third section 222 may be a boss 215. The third section 222 may be sharp. Thus, the coupling means 200 may be coupled in a transverse direction with respect to the first panel. The second joint 230 comprises an end section 234 having an upper portion and a lower portion, all similar to the embodiment of fig. 5 d. In one embodiment (not shown), there is only an upper portion and no lower portion.

Any of the embodiments of the first 210, intermediate 220 and second 230 engagement portions and the fixation portion 212 or third section 222 described above with reference to fig. 5a-d or fig. 6a-c, respectively, may be combined and/or interchanged with each other.

Fig. 6d and 6e show such an embodiment: wherein the connecting means 200 engages with the second lip 120 from below and above, respectively, similarly as described above, but an adhesive 400, such as glue, is used to connect the connecting means 200 to the support element 300 and/or to the first panel. Adhesive may be applied in one or more of the regions R1, R2, and R3 of fig. 6d and 6 e. Optionally, the embodiment of fig. 6d-e may be combined with any of the embodiments of fig. 5a-d and 6a-c, such that mechanical fastening means (e.g. screws or nails) are used in combination with the adhesive according to the above disclosure.

Fig. 7a-b show a side view of an embodiment of the tile, wherein a recess 143 is provided in the inner wall 142. These embodiments are particularly advantageous when the second joint comprises a second section 234 which is curved, for example upwards or downwards. Once the first panel 100a has been connected to the support element 300, the second panel 100b may be snapped or snapped into a vertical locking condition with respect to the first panel. It is apparent that the notch 143 and/or the curved second section 234 may be used in any embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly the embodiments of fig. 1, 2, 3a-h, 5a-d, 6a-e above and 8c, 8h, 11c-d below.

Fig. 7c-d show perspective and side views of a rotatable connection 200, the rotatable connection 200 comprising a first joint 210 and a second joint 230, which are arranged at an angle θ relative to each other along respective longitudinal extensions. In a non-limiting example, the angle θ may be between 0 ° and 45 °, preferably between 10 ° and 20 °.

The edge portion 213 of the first engagement portion is curved or chamfered. Thereby, the first engagement portion may be rotated more easily, in particular when the edge portion is engaged with the third wall 132 in the mounted state. The front portion 223 of the second engagement portion is also curved or chamfered. As shown in the front view of fig. 7e, the underside 235 of the second engagement portion is rounded. Such rounding may simplify the mounting and dismounting of the panels and/or allow easier displacement of the second panel 100b, especially in the longitudinal direction. The first engagement portion includes a retaining element 254 on the lower side 252. The retaining element is configured to engage the inner wall 122 or be pressed into the inner wall 122. Optionally, there may be no intermediate joints.

In fig. 7f is shown an embodiment of the installed

panels

100a, 100b, wherein the coupling device 200 of fig. 7c-e is used. This embodiment is largely similar to the embodiment in fig. 6a (see discussion above). More details are provided below with reference to fig. 11 c-d. It should be noted that the tool 500 may operate the connection means through the space S by operating and/or accessing the attachment element.

In any of the embodiments of fig. 5a-d, 6a-e, 7a-b, 7f, the second side of the panel may be displaced in a horizontal longitudinal and/or transverse direction in its vertically locked state.

Fig. 8a and 8b are side and front views, respectively, of an embodiment of an attachment device 200, the attachment device 200 being configured to be releasably attached to a support element 300 in the form of a set of joists 310. These joists may be arranged parallel to each other, preferably fixed with a constant distance between them. In one example, the attachment device is displaceable relative to the joist. In another example, the connectionThe device is fixed relative to the joist. This connecting means is particularly suitable for WPC decorative panels, since it allows the panels, preferably the two

side edges

103, 104, to lie along the longitudinal axis a _X And (4) shifting. The connecting means is configured to be releasably connected to the panel, preferably to the second lip. In this embodiment, the connection means comprises a first joint 210 and a second joint 230, the first joint 210 comprising a first flange 290 and the second joint 230 comprising a second flange 291. The first flange 290 is angled, preferably obtuse, e.g. between 90 ° and 120 ° with respect to the vertical portion 293, and the second flange 291 is angled, preferably acute, e.g. between 60 ° and 90 ° with respect to the vertical portion 292. In the present embodiment, the

vertical portions

292, 293 are along the axis A _X Are separated from each other. The first and

second flanges

290, 291 are along an axis A _X Are separated from each other. It will be apparent that in one embodiment (not shown), at least some portion or even all of the first and

second flanges

290, 291 may be along the axis A _X Are arranged side by side. The first joint 210 also includes teeth 297 located at the outer portion of the first flange 290 that curves downward toward the base portion 294. In addition, the second engagement portion 230 also includes an outer portion 298 that curves upwardly away from the base portion 294. The

flanges

290, 291 are connected to the base portion 294 via

vertical portions

292, 293. The

flanges

290, 291 and base portion 294 have an axis A when the attachment is attached to the joist 310 _X The longitudinal extension of (a). The base portion 294 is configured to connect to the joist 310, preferably by snapping, and preferably by vertical displacement. The snap-in function is provided by means of a pair of resilient retaining elements 295, said resilient retaining elements 295 being located along a _Z Tapering in a direction away from the

flanges

290, 291. The retaining element 295 includes a guide portion 296 at an end thereof. Joist 310 along A _Y The axis extends and has a top portion 312, a middle portion 314, and a bottom portion 316. Along A of the middle portion 314 _X The width of the axis is less than the width of the top portion 312. The top portion 312 includes an angled portion 313 that is configured to mate with the guide portion 296 during the snap-fitting of the connector 200 to the joist 310.

FIG. 8cIs a side view of such an embodiment: wherein the attachment means 200 as shown in figures 8a-b is attached to a joist 310. In the mounted state of the first and

second panels

100a, 100b, the first flange 290 engages with the second lip 120 and connects the first panel to the joist 310 and thus to the support element 300. The second lip 120 is along A due to the arrangement of the teeth 297 within the notch 125 provided in the second lip 210 _Y Is further locked to the connecting device in the horizontal transverse direction. Furthermore, the second flange 291 engages the first lip 140 and locks the second panel vertically with respect to the first panel. The second flange 291 may engage the first lip 140 under pre-tensioning, e.g. completely similar to the discussion above with reference to fig. 5 a-d. The raised element 201 is disposed below the first lip 140.

The coupling means 200 may be horizontally and/or vertically coupled to the panel 100 by a rotational movement. According to the embodiment of fig. 8d, during installation of the connecting device, the first flange 290 is arranged in the recess 125, and then the first flange 290 is rotated around the second lip 120 (arrow Q) while the first flange 290 is arranged in the recess 125. Thus, the rotation axis may be provided in the recess. The second lip 120 may form a chamfer between the sidewall 124 and the second face member 102. Whereby the coupling device can be rotated more easily. In one embodiment, the base portion 294 separates from or abuts the second lip 120 during rotation, for example, due to a chamfer. In one embodiment, the base portion 294 compresses or is pressed into the material of the second lip 120 during rotation. The connecting means may be snapped onto the panel.

As shown in fig. 8e, the connection means 200 may be connected to the panel 100 horizontally and/or vertically by a horizontal relative displacement between the connection means and the second lip 120, preferably by a snap action (arrow T). In one embodiment, the first flange 290 is resilient, it being bent upwards away from the second lip in an initial stage and downwards towards the second lip in a final stage during mounting, which is preferably achieved by snapping. In one embodiment, the first flange 290 is pressed into the material of the second lip 120 during horizontal displacement until the connection device 200 reaches its installed position. The material of the second lip may be compressible and/or flexible. The two embodiments of fig. 8d-e can be combined.

Fig. 8f shows an embodiment similar to fig. 8c, but wherein the first flange 290 forms an acute angle, e.g. between 60 ° and 90 °, with respect to the vertical portion 293, and preferably comprises an outer portion 297 which is bent upwards away from the base portion 294. The outer portion 297 is disposed within the notch 123 in the second lip 120. The thickness of the second lip increases outwardly. Further, the second flange 291 forms an obtuse angle, e.g., between 90 ° and 120 °, with respect to the vertical portion 292, and preferably includes an outer portion 298 that curves downwardly toward the base portion 294. The outer portion 298 is disposed within the recess 145 in the first lip 140. In one example, the panel 100b is preferably laterally connected to the connecting means in two opposite directions, and the panel 100a is laterally displaceable relative to the connecting means.

The embodiment of fig. 8g is the same as the embodiment of fig. 8c, except that the inner wall 142 includes a notch 143. In fig. 8c, the inner wall 142 is planar. The embodiment of fig. 8h is the same as the embodiment of fig. 8c, except for the following features: the first flange 290 includes teeth 297 configured to engage the recess 125 disposed in the inner wall 122, preferably an outer portion of the recess 125. The teeth 297 are curved downward and extend at least partially toward the vertical portion 293. The teeth 297 may be resilient. In one example, the engagement between the teeth 297 and the notches 125 is pre-tensioned. In one example, the teeth abut an outer portion of the notch. In one example, the teeth are pressed into the material of the outer portion of the recess.

In any of the embodiments of fig. 8c, 8f-h, the shape of the

indentations

123, 143 and/or a portion of the

notches

125, 145 may correspond to the shape of a portion of the first flange 290 and/or the second flange 291. It is clear that any of the embodiments of the first and second flanges, the first and second engaging portions and any of the embodiments of the first and second lips described above may be combined.

In FIGS. 8c, 8f-h, the connecting means are shown in connection with A, respectively _Z And A _Y Are vertically and horizontally connected in parallel opposite directions with respect to the first panel. It is envisaged that only a is in contact with a _Y One direction in which the axes are parallel has a horizontal connection, said direction preferably being directed outwards.

According to the embodiment of fig. 9a, wherein a set of tiles is shown in top view, comprising a plurality of substantially

identical tiles

100a, 100b, 100c, 100 d. By "substantially the same" is meant that the panels differ from each other in size by less than 1-10% under the same environmental conditions. It will be apparent, however, that in other embodiments the dimensions of some or even all of the panels may vary. The tiles 100a-d may be locked to each other, entirely similar to the locking of the tiles 100a-b described above, for example with reference to 5a-d, 6a-e, 7a-b, 7f, 8c or 8f-h, and reference may thus be made to the above. For example, the third plate 100c may be locked to the second plate 100b by means of the second connecting means 200 and the second attachment element 400, and so on.

In fig. 9a, the attachment element 400 is accessible and at least partially visible from above, as shown in fig. 6a-c, 6e, 7b and 7 f. However, in one embodiment (not shown), the attachment element may be hidden from above as previously described. Concealment is possible because the panels can be installed one after the other: the panel 100a is first connected to the support element 300 and then the panel 100b is placed beside the panel 100a, optionally along a as described above _Y The axes form a horizontal overlap and connect the panel 100b to the support element, also for subsequent panels. Preferably, the spaces S between the panels 100a-d are identical. The support element 300 comprises a plurality of joists 310, for example wooden joists.

In one embodiment shown in the bottom row in fig. 9a, the side edges may be connected by alternately arranging fastening elements 402 and connecting means 200 along the side edges 103, 104, wherein the connecting means are arranged according to any embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening elements 402 being provided through the second lip 120 and being connected to the support element 300 without any connecting means-see fig. 6a, which shows an example of such fastening elements 402 in a side view. The fastening elements 402 may be screws, nails, etc. as described above.

Figures 9b-d show one embodiment of the coupling device 200 drawn to scale in perspective and side views. The third section 222 is formed at an angle relative to the second joint 230, typically 45-135, preferably 90. The third section, preferably an inner surface 225 thereof, is configured to engage the sidewall 124. The third section 222 may resist twisting of the connection during installation thereof. The

inner sections

238 and 239 of the first and second joints are inclined at an angle of 10 deg. -50 deg., preferably 20 deg. -45 deg., with respect to each other. The end section 224 of the third section is tapered. The third portion can thereby be more easily engaged with or pressed into the support element. The bearing surfaces 211 and 231 of the

end sections

233 and 234 of the first and

second joints

210 and 230 are configured to engage with the

grooves

130 and 160, respectively. These bearing surfaces are substantially parallel to one another and are arranged at different vertical heights, in the mounted state the bearing surface 211 preferably being arranged above the bearing surface 231 in the vertical direction. The second joint comprises an end section 234 which is curved or angled with respect to the entire lengthwise extension of the second joint and which extends at least partially in a direction away from the third section. The panels can thus be snapped into place during installation. The thickness (preferably the maximum thickness) of the inner section 239 of the second joint is preferably less than the thickness (preferably the maximum thickness) of the end section 234 thereof. A hole 202 is provided in the first engaging portion 210. The bore 202 is counter-bored and includes a frustoconical portion and a cylindrical portion. The cross-section of the hole is circular, but it may have other shapes, such as square or rectangular. The aperture may be oblong, for example with rounded short sides. The connection means comprise a cover layer in the form of an anode layer. Optionally, the cylindrical portion does not have any covering layer. Preferably, the connection in fig. 9b-d has a balancing torque as described above.

Preferably, the ratio X1/X measured in percentage between the horizontal extension X1 from the center of the hole 202 to the end of the second joint 230 and the total horizontal extension X of the connection device is 50-80%, for example about 60% in fig. 9 b-d. By having a large extension, the flexibility of the second joint can be increased, which can simplify its mounting. By means of the bearing surface 211, the inclined first joint 210 and the third section 222, tilting of the connecting device during its installation can be counteracted.

Preferably, any of the connection devices of the present disclosure, particularly the connection devices in fig. 9b-d, has a constant cross-section along the width direction of the connection device. Thus, the connecting device can be produced by an extrusion method or by a method of bending and processing a metal plate having a constant width or the like.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the end section 233 of the first joint 210 is missing and the first joint comprises only an inner section 238 of the first joint which is inclined with respect to the second joint. Other features of the connection means may be the same as those described above in relation to figures 9 b-d.

Fig. 10a-c show an embodiment of the method of disassembling a second panel 100b from a set of assembled panels in a side view. The second attachment element 400 between the second plate 100b and the third plate 100c is removed (arrow a 1). Thereby, the horizontal relative connection between the second coupling means 200 and the second panel 100b is released. As the second attachment element has been removed, the plate 100b may be displaced relative to the first connection means 200. Then, as shown in fig. 10B, the second panel 100B is translated horizontally towards the third panel 100c, so that its first lip 140 is disengaged from the first connection means 200 (arrow B1), thus being unlocked vertically with respect to the first panel 100 a. Said translation is possible thanks to the fact that the second connection means 200 are separated from the third wall 162 of the panel 100c by an internal horizontal spacing Q in the installed condition. The second side edge 104 is then tilted upward (arrow C1) and removed, either manually or by tool 500, as shown in fig. 10C.

The second panel 100b may be replaced by a new second panel 100 b', as shown in the embodiment of figures 10 d-e. Here, the mounting is performed by first attaching the second attachment means 200 (from below in this embodiment) to the second lip 120 by means of tape, adhesive (e.g. glue) or nails or the like. Other methods, such as holding the second attachment means in place by hand, are obviously conceivable. Thereafter, the above-described disassembly steps may be followed in reverse order. As shown in fig. 10d, the second panel 100 b' is tilted and displaced to a position: wherein the second engaging portion 230 of the second connecting means 200 engages the first lip 140 of the third plate 100c (arrow D1) and the

surface members

101, 102 of the second plate become parallel to the support elements. Then, as shown in fig. 10E, the second panel 100b 'is displaced towards the first panel 100a (arrow E1) such that the second engagement portion 230 of the first coupling means 200 engages with the first lip 140 of the second panel 100 b' and a predetermined space S is obtained (see fig. 10 a). Finally, the second attachment element 400 is connected to the support element 300 by arranging the second attachment element 400 through the second connection means 200.

In the embodiment of fig. 10a-e, in the mounted state, the space S is substantially equal to or larger than the second joint 230 and the inner wall 142 along the axis a _Y P. Further, the inner horizontal interval Q of the second grooves 160 of the third plate block 100c, in which the horizontal overlap P does not exist, is substantially equal to or greater than the horizontal overlap P. Thereby, it is possible that the

second panel

100b, 100b 'is arranged beside the third panel 100c such that the first lip 140 of the

second panel

100b, 100 b' is free or horizontally separated from the first connecting means. It should be noted that the sum of P and Q may be along the axis a of the second trench 160 _Y Of the depth of (c).

In the embodiment shown in fig. 11a-d, a coupling device 200 of the type shown in fig. 4c-d, 6a-c and 9b-d and described above is used. When disassembling the second panel 100b, the first and second attachment elements 400 are first removed from the support element 300 (arrow a 2). Thereby, the second panel is vertically unlocked with respect to the first panel 100a and the horizontal relative connection between the second coupling means 200 and the second panel is released. The second panel may then be removed, for example by tilting (arrow B2). Optionally, the first and/or second joining means 200 can be removed through the space S (arrow C2) before the second panel is removed.

A new second panel 100 b' may be placed between the first panel 100a and the third panel 100 c. The above steps can then be reversed: arranging first and second coupling means 200 to engage with the side walls 114 of the first and second panels respectively and with the

lips

120, 140 of a respective pair of panels from above; then, the first and second attachment elements 400 are arranged through the second lips 120 of the first and second panels, respectively, and connected to the support element 300.

Fig. 11c-d show an embodiment of panels 100a-c and their installation interconnected by means of the connecting means 200 of fig. 9 b-d. Here, the panels are configured to be sequentially installed and/or removed. The connection means cannot be operated or accessed through the space S because the attachment element cannot be accessed. Fig. 11c shows the first panel 100a installed using the first attachment element 400 and the first connecting means 200, and the second attachment element 400 is inserted through the second connecting means 200 and through the second lip 120 of the second panel 100b, thereby connecting it to the support element 300 (arrow a 3). Notches 125 in the lip 120 guide the attachment elements and/or the connecting means into place. In particular, the notch together with one or more bearing surfaces 211, 231 and inner surface 225 may guide the connecting device in place. The attachment elements are here provided as screws with countersunk heads configured to cooperate with the countersunk holes 202. Thereafter, the third panel 100c is displaced and/or tilted towards the second panel and the second engagement portion 230 of the second connection means is inserted into the groove 160 (arrow B3) to obtain a vertical locking of the panel 100c on the panel 100B, preferably with a pretension. The installed panel is shown in fig. 11 d. The disassembly of the panels can be carried out in reverse order. In fig. 11c-d, the attachment elements, preferably in the form of screws, are arranged at an angle relative to the support element. Preferably, the attachment elements are disposed perpendicular to the inner wall 122. Other connecting means and panels may be connected in a similar manner (arrow C3).

In some embodiments, especially in case the panels are made of cork, which may shrink over time, it is preferred that there is a vertical space, e.g. 0.3-15mm, or more preferably 0.5-1.5mm, between the support member 300 and the end section 224 of the third section 222 in the mounted state. Here, there is no direct engagement between the connecting means and the support member.

Alternatively, the second panel 100b in fig. 11a-b or 11c-d can be disassembled as shown in fig. 10b by translating the second panel 100b horizontally towards the third panel 100c so that its first lip 140 is disengaged from the first coupling means 200 and is thus vertically unlocked with respect to the first panel 100 a. In this case, there must be an internal horizontal spacing Q in the installed state, entirely similar to the discussion above with reference to fig. 10 a-b. Optionally, when there is an internal horizontal spacing Q, the attachment element 400 may be partially or completely accessed from above.

In some embodiments, the vertical extension (preferably the maximum vertical extension) of the groove 160 is smaller than the thickness (preferably the maximum thickness) of the end section of the second engagement portion of the connection device. This is particularly advantageous for panels comprising materials that change (e.g. decrease) in volume over time, such as hygroscopic materials or materials that are susceptible to thermal expansion/contraction. The material may be impregnated and/or pressure treated. Thus, by having a smaller vertical extension of the groove 160, the locking capacity of the locking system may be substantially maintained over time.

In one embodiment, there is a minimum space S between the plates, given by the thickness of the third section 222.

Figures 12a-b and 12c-d are side views of an embodiment of a method of disassembling the second panel 100b and replacing the second panel 100b with a new second panel 100 b' having the coupling means 200 shown in figures 4 a-b. During disassembly, at least the first and second attachment elements 400 are removed in a disassembly operation of the second panel 100b (arrow a 4). Optionally, the attachment element 400 providing the first panel 100a with a vertical locking at its second longitudinal side edge 104 is also removed. Then, as shown in fig. 12B, the first and second panels 100a, 100B are tilted and/or translated and removed (arrow B4). More specifically, the first side edge 103 and the second side edge 104 of the first and second panel, respectively, may be inclined upwards away from the support element 300.

When installing a new second panel 100 b', the first connecting means 200 may be temporarily or permanently attached to the underside of the second lip 120 of the first panel 100a, e.g. by means of adhesive tape, glue (e.g. glue) or nails or the like, see fig. 12 c. Thus, it will not fall off during installation. The second connecting means 200 is inserted into the second groove 160 of the third plate block 100c and rests on the support element 300. The second connecting means 200 can be attached to the support element 300, for example by means of adhesive tape. Optionally, however, the second connecting means 200 may also be attached to the second plate 100 b' in a similar manner as the first connecting means. The above disassembly steps are then reversed. As shown in fig. 12C, the coupling means is inserted into the second groove 160 of the first plate 100a (arrow C4). The

panels

100a, 100b 'are set in an inclined position as shown in figures 12c-d and the first connecting means are inserted into the second groove 160 of the panel 100 b' before or after this action. The

panels

100a, 100b 'are then tilted downwards (arrow D4) towards the support element until the second surface members 102 of the

panels

100a, 100 b' are placed in contact with the support element, see fig. 12D. At this time, the

panels

100a, 100 b', 100c are aligned in the horizontal transverse direction. The middle portion 220 may abut the side wall 124, and the second engagement 230 may engage the inner wall 142 and/or the third wall 162. Thereby, the horizontal space S between the slabs can be fixed. Finally, as shown in fig. 12E, first and second attachment elements 400 are provided through the second lip 120 to connect them to the support element (arrow E4).

In the embodiment shown in fig. 13a, the first and second attachment elements 400 are arranged outside (in this example inwardly) the first and second connection means, respectively, as described for the embodiment of fig. 5 c. The disassembly and assembly methods are similar to those described above with reference to fig. 10a-e or 12 a-e. Here, however, the first and second attachment elements 400 and the attachment element preferably providing the first panel 100a with a vertical locking at its second side edge 104 are removed in the disassembling operation of the second panel 100b (arrow a 5). However, in one example (not shown), only the second attachment element is removed. By means of the removal of the three attachment elements, the pressure from the plate on the fixing portion 212 is released and the connection device 200 can be removed. The panels 100a, 100B are then tilted and/or translated (arrow B5) and removed as shown in fig. 13B.

In the embodiment of fig. 12a-b and 13a-b, when the second surface member 102 of the second panel 100b has been inclined beyond the critical angle phi with respect to the horizontal extension of the support element 300 _crit When it is connected toThe coupling device 200 can be disengaged from the second panel 100b, see the non-critical angle phi in fig. 12 b. Normally, it will fall towards the support element due to gravity. For example, the critical angle phi _crit It may be between 15 ° and 60 °, preferably between 30 ° and 45 °.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 13c-d, the rotatable connection means 200 according to fig. 7c-f are used for connecting panels. The disassembly and assembly method is the same as described above in relation to fig. 11a-b, but the second panel 100b is vertically unlocked or locked with respect to the first panel 100a by: the connecting means are preferably rotated away from or into the groove 160 of the plate 100b about an axis substantially perpendicular to at least a part of the inner wall 142, e.g. using a tool (arrow R; see also fig. 7 c). Therefore, when disassembling the second panel 100b, it is not necessary to remove the first attachment element 400, although the second attachment element 400 (arrow a6) must be removed; it is sufficient to release the first attachment element 400 (arrow a 6') so that the second engagement portion 230 can be rotated out of the groove 160. In one example, the second engagement portion is rotated without loosening the first attachment element. Finally, the second panel may be removed (arrow B6).

In fig. 14a-e a method of mounting and dismounting panels is shown, wherein a coupling device 200 according to any of the embodiments in fig. 8a-h is used. Fig. 14a shows such an embodiment: wherein the connecting means are connected to the second lip 120 of the panel 100a and to a support member in the form of a joist 310. The second panel 100b is then snapped into place by engaging the first lip 140 with the second flange 291 and optionally with the support element (possibly via the lifting element 201) and tilting the first side edge 103 downwards. Whereas in the embodiment of fig. 14b the second panel 100b is arranged to engage with the support element (possibly via the elevated element 201) and is horizontally displaced towards the first panel 100a to a position in which the second flange 291 engages with the first lip 140. In any embodiment, the second flange 291 may be resilient. During mounting it may be bent upwards away from the first lip in an initial stage and downwards towards the first lip in a final stage, preferably by snapping.

The horizontal space S and/or the chamfers between the second surface member 102 and the

side walls

114 and 154 are configured so as to allow the panels to be mounted and dismounted by means of tilting (i.e. angular movement). Fig. 14c-e show an embodiment where the second panel 100b is disassembled by tilting. The support element 300 is eliminated for clarity. First, the second side edge 104 of the second panel 100b is tilted upwards, e.g. manually or by inserting a tool 500, preferably comprising a hook, into the space S, engaging the hook with the inner wall 152 (e.g. with the notch 155) and pulling the second lip 150 upwards, see fig. 14c (solid arrow). The tilting action may be combined with a horizontal and/or vertical linear displacement of the second plate. During the tilting action, the first panel 100a will also tilt upwards (dashed arrow) due to the interconnection between the first and second panels via the flanges of the connecting means 200, see fig. 14 d. Optionally, however, the first side edge 103 of the first panel 100a may also be inclined upwardly in a similar manner, for example by means of a tool.

Finally, when the first and second panels have been tilted beyond a critical angle, e.g. 25-50 °, and optionally linearly displaced, the connecting means will disengage from the support element, see fig. 14 e.

Fig. 15a-c show an embodiment for installing a new second panel 100 b'. First, the first and second coupling means 200 are arranged on the second lip 120 of the first and

second panels

100a and 100 b', respectively. The panels are then arranged in an inclined position, while the second flanges 291 are arranged in the second grooves 160 of the second and third panels 100 b', 100 c. Optionally, the elevated elements 201 are disposed on the support element 300. Then, the first side edge 103 and the second side edge 104 of the first and

second panels

100a, 100 b', respectively, are tilted downwards (solid arrows), see fig. 15 a. As shown in fig. 15b, the first and second connecting means are then optionally in contact with the support element via the raised elements 201, and they can be snapped onto the support element to obtain the final locked position of the panel, see fig. 15 c.

Fig. 15d-f depict an embodiment of the coupling means and the installed panels, which is similar to the embodiments described above, in particular the embodiments of fig. 6a-c, 6e, 7b, 9b-d and 11a-d, to which reference is made above.

However, in fig. 15d, the first engagement portion 210 of the coupling means 200 comprises a further third section in the form of a projection 215 which is arranged in the recess 125 of the first panel. The projection is disposed at the lower side of the first engaging portion 210. The projection has a rectangular cross-section, but may have other cross-sections, such as triangular or semi-circular. Optionally, the protrusion may be sharp, as shown in fig. 6 c. As shown in the back view of fig. 15e, the projection 215 is along the entire attachment means (i.e., along a in fig. 15 d) _X ) Extension, for example, is preferred when the connection means is extrusion. Through which a hole 202 is provided. Optionally, however, the projection may extend along a portion of the connection means, for example along a of the connection means _X And the hole may be provided beside the projection, see the dashed line in fig. 15 e. There is a vertical space between the support member 300 and the third section 222, see discussion above.

Further, in fig. 15f, the second lip 120 of the plate 100a comprises a recess 121. The recess is provided in the region connecting the inner wall 122 and the side wall 124. The recess has a stepped profile. The third section 222 is arranged in the recess 121 in the mounted state. Preferably, the recess 121 is along the entire panel (i.e., along A in FIG. 15 f) _X ) And (4) extending. Optionally, however, the recess may extend along only a portion of the panel, for example along the side edge 103 where the connection means are provided. Since the panels are rotationally symmetric in this embodiment, there are also notches 125 and recesses 121 in the second side edge 104. It is clear that the embodiments in fig. 15d-f can be combined.

In fig. 15d and 15f, there is an internal vertical spacing between the connection means, in particular the first joint 210, and the inner wall 112. Furthermore, there is an internal horizontal spacing between the connection means, in particular the first joint 210, and the third wall 132. However, in other embodiments, the internal vertical and/or horizontal spacing may be zero, i.e., there may be contact. Furthermore, the connecting means, in particular the second engagement portion 210, engages with the inner wall 152. Furthermore, there is an internal horizontal spacing between the connection means, in particular the second junction 230, and the third wall 162. However, in other embodiments, there may be a non-zero vertical spacing and/or the internal horizontal spacing may be zero, i.e., there may be contact. For example, during installation of the panels, contact between the connecting means and the walls 132 and/or 162 may be made; often, the board may shrink over time, for example when the board contains (impregnated) cork, and thus separation may occur. Any of these examples of internal vertical and/or horizontal spacing may be applied in any embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly those in fig. 6a-c, 6e, 7b, 9b-d, and 11 a-d. The horizontal spacing between the connecting means and the walls 132 and/or 162 is particularly advantageous when the panels are configured to be mounted such that the first lip of a first panel and the second lip of a second panel abut each other, whereby a horizontal space S is formed between the panels over time as the material volume of the panels decreases, for example due to shrinkage.

The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Most of the decor panel embodiments presented in this application are rotationally symmetric about a longitudinal axis, and preferably so, but it will be appreciated that non-rotationally symmetric shapes are equally conceivable. For example, the lateral extension of the

first lip

110, 140 may be different and/or the extension of the

second lip

120, 150 may be different. Any of the embodiments of the present disclosure are effective not only for panels made of cork and WPC boards, but also for panels made of other materials. Furthermore, the sequence of the above-described disassembly and assembly steps is exemplary, and other sequences are likewise contemplated.

Examples

Other aspects of the inventive concept are provided below. Embodiments of these aspects are largely analogous to those of the first, second and third aspects referred to above.

An item 1. a trim panel assembly provided with a connection system comprising a connection device, the trim panel assembly comprising:

a first trim panel comprising a first side and a second trim panel comprising a second side, each side extending along a longitudinal direction of the trim panel, wherein each of the first and second sides comprises:

a first lip and a second lip, wherein the extension of the second lip in a transverse direction of the trim panel is greater than the extension of the first lip in the transverse direction of the trim panel,

wherein the first trim panel is configured to be coupled to the support element,

wherein the second trim panel is configured to assume a vertically locked condition relative to the first trim panel, wherein in the vertically locked condition:

the connecting device is matched with the first decorative plate and the second decorative plate;

a horizontal space exists between the first lip portion of the first decorative panel and the second lip portion of the second decorative panel; and is

There is a horizontal overlap between a portion of the second lip of the second decorative panel and a portion of the second lip of the first decorative panel,

wherein the second trim panel is configured to assume a vertically unlocked condition relative to the first trim panel such that the second trim panel becomes removable.

Item 2. the trim panel assembly of item 1, wherein the connecting means is operable and/or accessible to achieve the vertically unlocked condition through the horizontal space, preferably at least 1mm, more preferably at least 5mm, most preferably at least 10 mm.

The trim panel assembly of any of claims 1-2, wherein the second trim panel is configured to: the second trim panel becomes removable when it is uncoupled from the support element and/or when a third trim panel assumes a vertically unlocked condition with respect to the second trim panel.

Item 4. the trim panel assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising the first and second trim panel segments and/or the connecting means according to any of claims 1 to 3.

The trim panel assembly of any of claims 1 to 3, comprising the connection device of any of claims 1 to 3.

An item 6. a trim panel assembly provided with a connection system including a connection device, the trim panel assembly comprising:

wherein the first trim panel segment is configured to be coupled vertically and at least in a first horizontal direction relative to the coupling device,

wherein the second trim panel is configured to be vertically coupled with respect to the coupling arrangement, and

wherein the connecting means is configured to at least partially surround the second lip of the first panel while being connected to a support element such as a joist.

The trim panel assembly of claim 6, wherein the first trim panel segment is configured to be connected relative to the connecting device in a second horizontal direction opposite the first horizontal direction.

Item 8. the trim panel assembly of item 6 or 7, wherein the second trim panel is configured to be connected relative to the connecting device in at least a first horizontal direction and optionally in a second horizontal direction opposite the first horizontal direction.

The trim panel assembly of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the lateral direction is parallel to the first and/or second horizontal direction.

The trim panel assembly of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the connecting means is configured to be displaceable relative to the support element, preferably along a longitudinal horizontal direction of the support element.

The trim panel assembly of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the connecting device is configured to be fixed relative to the support element.

The trim panel assembly of any of claims 6 to 11, comprising the first and second trim panels and/or the connecting means of any of claims 6 to 11.

The trim panel assembly of any of claims 6 to 11, comprising the attachment apparatus of any of claims 6 to 11.

Claims

1. A trim panel assembly provided with a connection system comprising a connection device (200), the trim panel assembly comprising:

a first decor panel (100a) having a first side (103) and a second decor panel (100b) having a second side (104), each side extending in a longitudinal direction of the decor panel, wherein each of said first and second sides comprises:

a first lip (110, 140) and a second lip (120, 150), wherein the extension of the second lip in a transverse direction of the trim panel is larger than the extension of the first lip in the transverse direction of the trim panel,

wherein the first decor panel is configured to be connected to a support element (300), and

said coupling means (200) engaging an inner wall (122) of the second lip (120) of the first trim panel (100a) and engaging an inner wall (142) of the first lip (140) of the second trim panel (100 b);

the first lip (110) of the first decorative panel and the second lip (150) of the second decorative panel are disposed in a first horizontal plane (H1), and the second lip (120) of the first decorative panel and the first lip (140) of the second decorative panel are disposed in a second horizontal plane (H2), both the first and second horizontal planes being parallel to the surface members (101, 102) of the first and/or second decorative panels;

-a vertical gap (G) exists between a portion of the second lip (120) of the first trim panel and a portion of the second lip (150) of the second trim panel, the portion of the second lip (150) of the second trim panel being disposed above the portion of the second lip (120) of the first trim panel so as to form a horizontal overlap, an inner wall (122) of the second lip of the first trim panel being inclined, or curved, relative to the surface member (101, 102) of the first trim panel; and is provided with

A horizontal space (S) exists between the first lip portion of the first decorative panel and the second lip portion of the second decorative panel,

wherein the connecting device (200) is configured to cooperate with the support element (300) via an attachment element (400) configured to be arranged through the second lip (120) of the first decor panel (100a) and through the connecting device (200),

wherein the connecting means (200) comprises a third section (222), the third section (222) being configured to engage with the side wall (124) of the second lip of the first trim panel (100a) and being configured to be pressed into the support element (300).

2. The trim panel assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second trim panels (100a, 100b) has a longitudinal axis (a) about the trim panel _x ) 180 degrees rotational symmetry.

3. The decorative panel block assembly of claim 1,

wherein the connecting means (200) are arranged in the first groove (130) of the first decor panel in the vertically locked state, and/or

Wherein the coupling means is disposed in a second groove (160) of the second trim panel (100b) in the vertically locked condition.

4. The trim panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the connecting arrangement includes a first engagement portion (210) and a second engagement portion (230) configured to engage the first and second trim panels, respectively, in an installed condition.

5. The trim panel assembly of claim 4, wherein the first and second engagement portions are configured to be disposed at different vertical heights from the support element in an installed state.

6. The decorative panel block assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein a thickness of the second lip is greater than a thickness of the first lip.

7. The decorative panel block assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second side portion is displaceable in a horizontal longitudinal and/or transverse direction in the vertically locked condition.

8. The decorative panel block assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting device (200) is further configured to engage with the support element (300) in the vertically locked state.

9. The decorative panel block assembly of claim 8, wherein the connection device (200) is configured to be connected to the support element (300).

10. The decorative panel block assembly according to claim 9, wherein the connecting device (200) is configured to be releasably connected to the support element (300).

11. The trim panel assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the support element (300) is a joist (310).

12. The trim panel block assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the attachment arrangement (200) comprises at least one tooth (297), the tooth (297) being configured to engage the second lip (120) of the first trim panel block.

13. The trim panel assembly of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the vertically locked condition, the attachment element is disposed through the second lip of the first trim panel and a portion of the connecting device is disposed between the second lip of the first trim panel and the support element.

14. The decorative panel block assembly of claim 13, wherein the attachment element is disposed through the connection device in the vertically locked condition.

15. The decorative panel block assembly of claim 13, further comprising the attachment element.

16. A decorative panel block assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting means engages with the second lip of the first decorative panel block and/or the first lip of the second decorative panel block in a pre-tensioned manner in the mounted state.

17. A decorative panel block assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting means comprises a projection (215) configured to be disposed in a recess (125) of the second lip of the first decorative panel block in an installed condition.

18. The trim panel assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a portion of the attachment arrangement is configured to be disposed in a recess (121) of the second lip of the first trim panel in an installed condition.

19. A decorative panel block assembly according to claim 18, wherein the recess (121) is located in an inner wall (122) and/or a side wall (124) of the second lip.